The Mystery of Vocation

Mark 3: 13-19

 Jesus Appoints the Twelve

¹³ Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. ¹⁴ He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach ¹⁵ and to have authority to drive out demons. ¹⁶ These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), ¹⁷ James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), ¹⁸ Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot ¹⁹ and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Jesus called twelve men to the mission of learning the core of his teaching and of sharing it with others.  It began first with the selection of these Twelve, their "grooming" through observation of his deeds and a careful listening to his words. Then he commissioned them to go out and spread his message and confirm it with miracles. They learned slowly, and surely; especially fortified by the Holy Spirit, they continued the work of Jesus, even giving their lives for it.  What a marvelous transition, as often noted, from fishermen, to fishers of men! 

God calls each one of us who believe to a similar mission, leading and fortifying us along the way. May we listen carefully, and follow readily and generously.  We will be doing his will and at the same time will find much peace and happiness beyond our expectations.

Bro. Rene